Edrik's fingers closed tightly. Not around the girl's throat, but around something hanging there. A pendant.
Atlas leaned in closer, realizing what he was seeing. A small silver necklace with a round pendant rested against the girl's collarbone. Edrik stared at it, his sharp gaze flickering for the first time, as if the object itself carried a memory he could not ignore.
The girl trembled, her frightened eyes locked on his.
Is she… his target tonight?If he kills her, the job is done—but…
Edrik didn't move to strike. He just stood there, gripping the pendant tightly, his knuckles white. His left hand trembled slightly, the faintest sign of struggle breaking through his otherwise perfect composure.
It was as if he was holding something back.
Then, from outside, a shout tore through the stillness.
"An intruder! Surround the area. There's an intruder inside!"
The sound of rushing footsteps filled the corridor, heavy and fast.
